Northern Powergrid is partnering with energy storage companies Hyperdrive Innovation and Offgrid Energy to trial a system that could provide temporary electricity in the UK during power cuts.
The Silent Power solution will comprise electric vans with on-board energy storage systems made up of lithium-ion batteries to replace noisy and polluting diesel generators during power cuts and planned works.
Northern Powergrid said the two-year project could “signal a huge clean-energy shift in the temporary power industry”.
Silent Power will quietly and cleanly restore power to customers who become vulnerable during a power cut or essential maintenance work, the partners said.
Up to three homes or a small community centre could be powered with just one van for 24 hours – even longer if those homes have domestic solar generation.
Hyperdrive and Offgrid Energy collaborated with Northern Powergrid on the project to develop the prototype 40kVA battery inverter generator unit.
Training was completed earlier this year and the first vehicle will be on the streets of Northern Powergrid’s operating area this month.
Northern Powergrid is responsible for the electricity distribution network in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire regions of England.
The company said that diesel generators cannot be deployed to homes that export as well as consume power.
Some areas also have access issues and generators cause air and sound pollution, it added.
Northern Powergrid currently deploys more than 2500 diesel generators a year to provide temporary power restoration during planned and unplanned power cuts.
During the trial, the partners will assess the usability, benefits and economic viability of the battery inverter generator units.
Northern Powergrid policy and markets director Patrick Erwin said: “There is considerable opportunity for Silent Power to reduce the impact of power cuts for vulnerable people across our region, while also improving the air we all breathe and reducing noise pollution,.
“This is just one way we are demonstrating our commitment to ensuring the energy transition works for all people across our society – not just those that can afford the latest technology.”
Northern Powergrid project manager Ross McFarlane said: “Traditional diesel generators have been great at restoring power to keep vulnerable customers safer and more comfortable during a power cut.
“However, the noise and air-pollution means there are limits to where they can be deployed.
“Alongside the direct customer benefit, we are very excited by the wider positive environmental impact of this trial.
“Many industries need temporary power supplies, if this can be shared across other sectors, we have another way to bring more renewable sources into our energy mix.”
Hyperdrive commercial director Stephen Irish said: “The UK battery and storage industry is on the cusp of significant growth and we are now starting to identify ways in which the lives of everyday people can be enhanced with technology like ours.
“Projects like Silent Power are bringing bold British innovation to the doorstep of every household and we are proud to be involved.
“Despite much political uncertainty at the moment, it’s reassuring that this blossoming high-tech sector can not only drive UK jobs and growth, but can become the backbone of good old fashioned community support delivered by the team at Northern Powergrid.”
OffGrid Energy director Danny Jones said: ” The Silent Power project has been a great opportunity to take our low carbon power solutions to another level, adding a further dimension in driving out emissions from the electricity networks.
“Working with Northern Powergrid has been a great experience for us at OffGrid where their vision and support has enabled us to push boundaries in ways that would not have otherwise been possible.”